Did you get hurt or sick on the job in Georgia? If so, you might be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits from your employer’s insurance policy. Workers’ compensation benefits cover medical expenses and a portion of lost wages for injured employees. These benefits are available regardless of fault, providing valuable financial support to eligible workers while they recuperate.
Applying for workers’ compensation in Georgia can be confusing, especially if you haven’t navigated the system before. At the Law Offices of William F. Underwood III, P.C., our attorneys can answer all of your questions, including how to check the status of a workers’ comp claim once it is underway.
Can I Check the Status of My Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Many individuals who suffer workplace injuries need to take time off to heal. There is a seven-day waiting period between filing a claim and getting wage-loss benefits paid in Georgia. That’s assuming the claim is filed properly with no errors or denials. Naturally, qualifying employees want to resolve their workers’ comp claims as soon as possible to prevent undue financial hardship.
You can check the status of a work injury claim by contacting your employer’s insurance company. The insurer is the entity handling your claim, so your employer likely won’t be able to provide you with any updates. It’s best to speak with a representative at the insurance company directly.
However, always be cautious when speaking to an insurance adjuster. Remember, they are always looking for reasons to minimize or reject legitimate claims.
What Might Delay the Workers’ Compensation Process?
There are many reasons why a workers’ compensation claim could be delayed or denied. Clerical errors are widespread and can delay processing time. Also, insurance companies diligently investigate every claim because fraud is an unfortunate problem in the workers’ comp system.
Other common reasons for claim denials include:
- Your employer has not followed up on your injury claim.
- The doctor’s diagnosis was incorrect, or they made mistakes in their report.
- The insurance company needs more information.
- You omitted important information from your claim by accident.
- The insurance company is understaffed and faces a backlog of workers’ comp claims.
If you need help checking the status of a pending claim, a workers’ compensation attorney could contact the insurance company to resolve any discrepancies that may be holding up your payments.
What Happens if the Insurance Company Undervalues My Claim?
There are many reasons why your employer’s insurer might undervalue your claim. For example, they might be missing crucial information or make an error during their settlement evaluation. If this happens to you, talk to an experienced worker’s compensation lawyer right away. You may need to submit new information, visit a different medical professional, or provide additional details to demonstrate you deserve more than what was offered. A lawyer can identify what you need in pursuit of a better result.
Do I Need an Attorney to Help Settle My Workers’ Compensation Case?
There is no requirement to hire an attorney to settle a workers’ compensation claim. However, a lawyer can handle every aspect of the process and push for a full and fair outcome for you.
Not only can an attorney provide you with legal advice, help you check the status of your claim, and expedite the claims process, they could also negotiate a settlement and identify whether there are other potential sources of compensation for you.
Get Help from a Georgia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Worried about a delayed work injury claim? Call or contact an Albany, GA workers’ compensation attorney at Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C. for a free consultation.
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